How to Sort Microsoft 365 Files by Modified Date on iPhone
Question details
Users want to sort their cloud files by modified date when browsing via the Microsoft 365 iOS app, but the app forces an alphabetical view.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 iOS App, OneDrive App
- Device & OS
- iPhone (iOS)
- Scenario
- Browsing and opening OneDrive or SharePoint files through the 'File > Open' menu in the Microsoft 365 app on an iPhone.
- Observed behavior
- Files and folders are strictly displayed in alphabetical order in the Microsoft 365 app, ignoring any date-sorting preferences previously set in the standalone OneDrive app.
Ensure you have both the Microsoft 365 app and the standalone OneDrive app installed and updated to their latest versions on your iPhone.
Use the OneDrive App to Sort and Launch Files
Since the Microsoft 365 app restricts folder views to alphabetical order, the most effective workaround is to sort and launch your files directly from the dedicated OneDrive app.
The Microsoft 365 app's internal file browser lacks a native sorting toggle for connected cloud locations like OneDrive and SharePoint. To view files by the date they were last modified, you must use the OneDrive app as your primary file manager.
Launch the standalone OneDrive app on your iPhone and log in with your Microsoft credentials if prompted.
Tap on the 'Files' tab at the bottom of the screen and locate the folder containing the documents you wish to view.
Tap the 'Sort' icon (often represented by an up and down arrow) at the top of the file list, and select 'Date' or 'Newest' from the sorting options.
Tap the document you want to edit. It will automatically launch in the Microsoft 365 app for you to view or modify.
Easily Manage and Sort Your Documents with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by file management and sorting limitations in Microsoft 365 on your mobile device, try WPS Office. It offers intuitive file management, robust sorting options by date or name, and seamless compatibility with all your Office files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get WPS Office for free from the App Store and install it on your iPhone.
- 2. Connect Cloud Storage: Open WPS Office, go to the 'Open' tab, select 'Add Cloud Storage', and log into your OneDrive account.
- 3. Sort by Date Easily: Browse your connected OneDrive folders and tap the filter/sort icon in the top right to instantly arrange all files by their modified date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my OneDrive files show alphabetically in the Microsoft 365 app?
The Microsoft 365 app's internal file browser (accessed via File > Open) currently lacks a custom sorting feature for cloud storage locations like OneDrive and SharePoint. By default, it lists all folders and files alphabetically.
Can I permanently change the sort order in the Microsoft 365 app on iPhone?
No, there is currently no setting within the Microsoft 365 iOS app to change the default alphabetical sort order for cloud files. You must use the OneDrive app to sort files by date.
Does sorting by date in the OneDrive app fix the view in the Microsoft 365 app?
No. Changing the sorting preference in the standalone OneDrive app does not carry over to the Microsoft 365 app. The two apps handle file sorting independently.
Does this sorting issue affect local files stored on my iPhone?
This limitation primarily affects OneDrive and SharePoint folders accessed directly through the Microsoft 365 app. If you save files locally, you can use the native Apple Files app to sort them by date.
